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Meritor Becomes the Most Complete Braking System Supplier

25 March 1999

Meritor Becomes the Most Complete Braking System Supplier in North America

    LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 24 --  Meritor Automotive Inc.
has announced its position as North America's most complete
supplier braking systems for commercial vehicles.  Meritor unveiled the new
system here today at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
    "With our recent acquisitions, Meritor has added lightweight hubs, drums
and rotors, new foundation brake products and a complete range of brake
control products to our already extensive family of brake components," said
Prakash Mulchandani, president of Meritor's Heavy Vehicle Systems business.
"This gives us the unique ability to provide our customers the most complete
commercial braking system, designed to meet virtually all of their stopping
requirements."
    Meritor's complete braking system includes:

    *  Compressors
    *  Air dryers
    *  Brake control valves
    *  Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
    *  Electronic braking systems (EBS)
    *  Automatic slack adjusters
    *  Air cam and wedge brakes
    *  Air disc brakes
    *  Hydraulic disc and drum brakes
    *  Friction materials
    *  Hubs, drums and rotors

    "We're proud to be the only North American supplier to offer the
convenience of 'one-stop' braking systems shopping, along with the expertise,
service and support that have helped make us an industry leader," added
Mulchandani.
    Evidence of this complete systems capability can be found in the
lightweight braking package Meritor also announced today at the Mid-America
Trucking Show.  When used together, the components in the package -- a stamped
QPlus(TM) brake spider, SteelLite X30(TM) brake drums and DaytonLite(TM) hubs
-- can eliminate up to 306 pounds from the standard braking component package
used on a heavy truck tractor-trailer combination (see related news article).
    "This translates directly into increased profits for our customers through
increased payload and improved fuel efficiency," said Mulchandani.  "And, it's
achieved without the customer having to deal with several component
suppliers."
    The complete braking system also boasts two new Meritor brake linings:
the MA210, a premium long-life lining developed for tractor and trailer use;
and the MA212, a general use lining which offers strong performance and
certification for vehicles with up to 20,000 lb. Gross Axle Weight Rating (see
related news article).
    Mulchandani said all of these new products further underscore Meritor's
continuous leadership in heavy truck braking.
    "From both a business standpoint and a system standpoint, it's a logical
step for Meritor to become the industry's only complete braking solution
provider," he concluded.  "Our most complete drivetrain now encompasses the
most complete braking system.  Regardless of the vehicle size, type or
application, we can stop it safely -- as a new vehicle or in the aftermarket."
    Meritor, with 1998 sales of $3.8 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light vehicle
OEMs and the aftermarket.  Meritor consists of two businesses:  Heavy Vehicle
Systems, a leading supplier of drivetrain systems and components for medium-
and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty
vehicles, including military, bus and coach, and fire and rescue; and Light
Vehicle Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, access control, suspension
and seat adjusting systems and wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and
sport utility vehicles.